Olympic National Park Elopement Guide
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK WEDDINGS
Olympic National Park Elopement Guide
The Olympic Peninsula is such a hidden gem of Washington and every time I go, I swear I experience something/somewhere new. It’s simply gorgeous and this epic Washington national park is so diverse known for its enchanting forests, rugged coastlines & stunning mountains, the Olympic national park has seriously the most diverse range of landscapes and views – even home to some of my favorite hot springs! The remote, rugged beauty of the Olympic national park makes it the perfect place to escape to for any couple who wants a wedding day filled with adventure and scenery. But, before you lace up your hiking boots and write your vows, there are a few things you should know about planning an Olympic national park elopement.
Luckily, I’ve got you covered with this guide to getting married in Olympic National Park, and planning the elopement day of your dreams! Keep reading, and you’ll be an expert in no time.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to get married in Olympic National Park!
- How to Elope in the Olympic National Park
- When to Elope in Olympic National Park
- Top Places to Get Married in the Olympic National Park
- Olympic National Park Permits + Marriage Laws
- Olympic National Park Elopement Packages
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNING YOUR OLYMPIC PARK ELOPEMENT?
Olympic National Park Wedding Logistics
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK PERMIT + WASHINGTON STATE MARRIAGE LAWS
Permitting: For your Olympic national park elopement, you may need to get a permit. groups of under 10 (including guests and vendors) do not need one – but if you have more than 10 people attending, you can find the permit application HERE. there’s a $50 application fee as well, and the park asks that you submit your application at least four weeks in advance – though if you can, I recommend doing this earlier to ensure you get your permit in time!
Keep in mind that you will still need to pay the entrance fee to elope at Olympic national park, which is $30 per car, or $80 if you want to get an annual pass that gets you into any national park in the country! You can get your pass at the entrance to the park.
Marriage License: to get legally married, you’ll need a Washington state marriage license! this can be done at any county clerk’s office in the state, but CLALLAM COUNTY is the closest to the Olympic national park. you can apply by mail, so couples who are traveling from out of state do not need to come in person!
There’s a $62 application fee, and your marriage license will be mailed to you. There’s a three-day waiting period, and the license expires after 60 days. you’ll also need an officiant and two witnesses to sign before the license is returned to the county clerk’s office!
HOW MUCH DOES AN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK WEDDING COST?
One of the first conversations that couples should have after deciding to elope is about their budget! A huge perk of eloping is that you get to decide what matters to you, and you have a lot more flexibility in deciding what to spend your money on.
Every elopement looks different, so it’s hard to define an average cost of an Olympic national park elopement, but some costs to keep in mind (aside from wedding costs like attire, rings, vendors, and food) can include travel, lodging, permits, marriage licenses, and any activities that you want to do. if you want some more information on the cost of an Olympic national park elopement, check out THIS GUIDE ABOUT HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO ELOPE!
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED IN THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
The Olympic Peninsula is known for its gloomy days and frequent rainfall, so when you pick a date for your elopement ceremony, keep this in mind! the rainiest season is November through April, and while the coast rarely sees any snow, the mountainous areas of Olympic national park definitely do.
July and August are the best months for an Olympic national park elopement because the weather is warm, trails are snow-free, and you’re much more likely to get a sunny day! eloping in late spring or early fall can give you the opportunity to avoid some of the summer crowds, but the weather maybe a little more unpredictable.
Summer: While it is peak season in some popular areas like the Olympic national park, hwy 101, h.o.h rainforest so it’s still recommended to try and plan your elopement on a weekday to avoid the crowds – the summertime on the coast/Olympic peninsula is gorgeous!!
Fall: I feel like you can’t beat the fall colors, rugged coastlines, and a little moody pnw – weather can be a little warmer but if you head closer on the coast of hwy 101 but be prepared for some chilly winds as night falls – don’t worry you can find some pretty great hot springs to warm yourself right back up!
Winter: If you want to escape some of the winter weather then plan on heading over to the coast but dreaming of a winter wonderland, stay on the mountainside.
Spring: Bring on beautiful blooming flowers and the fresh air – just like most parts of Washington the weather in spring can be a little iffy so just prepared for a little of everything.
Best Olympic National Park Wedding Venues
When I say “venues,” I’m not talking about the traditional kind. When you elope at Olympic national park, nature is your venue! if your elopement is small – just the two of you and maybe a few guests, you can get married anywhere in the park. Here are some of my favorite places for an Olympic national park elopement.
HURRICANE RIDGE:
Hurricane Ridge is an incredible spot for couples who want mountain views. Right from the parking lot, you can see the mountain peaks in the distance. There are some easily accessible picnic areas nearby, but for some more privacy, you can hike one of the many trails that begins at hurricane ridge!
RUBY BEACH:
All the way on the coast of the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll find countless rocky beaches. Amongst them is Ruby Beach, whose tide pools and rugged shoreline you can explore for hours. This is a beautiful elopement backdrop for couples who want to elope by the ocean, and experience one of the most beautiful views in the Olympic national park!
LAKE CRESCENT:
Lake Crescent is close to the town of Port Angeles, making it an easily accessible elopement location. You can get married right on the water, and the lake crescent lodge is a perfect place to stay! For some more adventure, hike the Mount Storm King trail that begins here – but be prepared, it’s a steep one!
LAKE CUSHMAN:
Something about a calm peaceful lake with mountain views, grand trees, and some beautiful rocks, am I wrong? The cool thing about Lake Cushman is you basically get it all in one location. Tall trees, water and mountain views, the good ol’ pnw. This is one of my favorite locations for camping elopements.
H.O.H RAIN FOREST:
One of the most magical places ever covered in hundreds of years old mossy oaks, the moss drapes down from the trees giving you an epic pnw feeling, ferns, and all the natural beauty that Washington has to offer.
HWY 101:
The Hwy 101 will give you so many different opportunities to pull off and do the dang thing since its over 350 miles long. to the most beautiful trees and greenery to the ocean- the opportunities are endless.
Where to stay in Olympic National Park
You’ll need somewhere to stay during your elopement – and the park has everything from camping to a hot spring resort!
CAMPGROUNDS IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
For a rugged elopement experience, you can camp in the park! There are plenty of campgrounds to choose from right in the park, so if you’re feeling adventurous, this can be a fun way to celebrate your elopement day.
LODGES IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
There are also several lodging options in the park that allow you to be close to your elopement location. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers cabins that are right next to the hot springs, so you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the natural spring water after a long day of exploring.
The Lake Crescent Lodge, located right on the lake, offers cozy accommodations along with a restaurant, kayak rentals, and close proximity to several trailheads!
Olympic National Park Packing List:
Crafting a thorough packing list is essential for a stress-free and memorable elopement in Olympic National Park. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including mountains, rainforests, and coastline, require thoughtful preparation. A well-organized packing list ensures you have everything you need for your special day, considering the unique challenges and beauty of Olympic National Park. This preparation allows you to focus on the significance of your elopement without the worry of forgetting crucial items.
Travel Documents:
- National Park pass or entrance fees
- Permits for the elopement ceremony
- Map of Olympic National Park and park information
Clothing:
- Weather-appropriate wedding attire
- Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots
- Layers for temperature changes
- Waterproof and windproof jackets
- Sun hats and sunglasses
- Gloves and scarves for cooler temperatures
Hiking Gear:
- Backpack for essentials during the ceremony
- First-aid kit
- Reusable water bottles
- High-energy snacks (granola bars, trail mix)
- Hiking socks and comfortable under layers
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Bug spray
Ceremony & Photography:
- Marriage license and necessary legal documents
- Personalized vows or speeches
- Professional photographer/videographer
- Tripod for stability during shots
- Rings securely stored
- Any props or special items for photos
Refreshments:
- Bottled water
- Lightweight snacks for sustenance
- Portable picnic set if planning a celebratory meal
- Champagne or beverages for toasting
Weather Preparedness:
- Warm blankets or wraps
- Umbrella or rain gear
- Extra layers for cooler temperatures
- Sunscreen and sun protection items
Emergency Preparedness:
- List of emergency contacts
- Knowledge of the nearest medical facilities
- Basic first aid kit
- Emergency cash
Cleanup Supplies:
- Trash bags for any waste
- Leave No Trace principles – preserving the beauty of Olympic National Park
Transportation:
- Confirm transportation details within Olympic National Park
- Map or navigation app for the region
- Check road and weather conditions if driving
Timeline and Planning:
- Detailed timeline for the elopement day
- Confirmation of any reservations or permits
- Consideration of sunrise or sunset timing for the ceremony
Comfort Items:
- Portable chairs or cushions for seating during the ceremony
- Blankets or wraps for comfort
- Hand warmers or cooling towels depending on the weather
Entertainment:
- Music playlist and portable speaker
- Binoculars for enjoying Olympic National Park’s scenic views
Other:
- Dry bag for valuables
- Camera lens wipes for clear photos
- Local information and contact details for park rangers or services in Olympic National Park.
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR DREAM OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT?
Your Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer
oh yea hey, hi – i’m rylee!
& I’m going to be your guide on navigating this whole eloping thing. I call the pacific northwest so let’s just say, I’m kind of an expert on all things getting married at Olympic national park.
If you’re not 100% sure where you want to get married – here’s a few other amazing elopement guides and locations to check out!
Olympic National Park Elopement Packages
Planning and Resources:
- From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. i want to get to know your love & values so i can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery
- Complementary planning assistance from me
- Locations ideas, checklists, timelines, & vendor recommendations
- Fully edited, high resolution photos
- Custom online gallery with unlimited downloads
- Personal printing rights
- Sneak peek photos
- Traveling included
